RANGITATA BRIDGE

Ashburton Guardian, Volume 53, Issue 288, 16 September 1933, Page 8

RANGITATA BRIDGE

THE QUESTION OF NEW ROUTE. TIMARF FARMERS VIEWS. (Special to the " Guardian.") TIMARTJ, This Day. A majority of members ot the executive of the Farmers' Union at their meeting yesterday decided that they had insufficient information regarding the proposal to construct a new bridge over the Rangitata River, and to make a new highway to avoid a detour through Geraldine, and held considertion of the matter over until they are more fully conversant with the details of the scheme. Discussion of the matter was evoked by a letter from the Temuka branch, which stated that they were definitely of opinion that the proposed alteration to that section of the main highway would undoubtedly be a progressive step for the welfare of the district in particular, and the province as a whole. The letter added that the opportunity which now presented itself might not again be available. Support for Proposal. Moving to support the proposal, Mr W. Buchan said that the project was one which should be supported by all farmers, because it meant the linking up of South and Mid-Canterbury. The present time presented a golden opportunity, as the Railway Department Avas building a new bridge. When it was realised that the dismantling of the old bridge would cost £BOOO, it would be seen that such an expenditure was criminal. In addition, it would be a great saving to motorists to have a direct route through. The motion was seconded by Mr A. E. Dobson.

Air A. J. Burrows said that Air Buchan had placed all the good points before the meeting, in that the new rout© would be a great convenience to the sporting people and motorists, but he asked whether it was fair to incur such an expenditure at the present time. He queried whether it lvould be worth the County Council's while to go on with the work, and suggested that the project was at least 20 years ahead of its time. In any case, the Farmers' Union had always endeavoured to keep down costs. Air J. Trotter said he doubted whether the Union was sufficiently interested in the matter to vote on it. Whether the road went through Geraldine or Temuka and Rangitata was a question to be decided by the people in those districts.

Mr A. F. Campbell concurred in that view and said he thought those; interested' should be allowed to fight the question ' out for themselves. The Farmers' Union was not sufficiently conversant with the scheme to commit itself.

The proposal was opposed by Air C. Ley, who said that the new bridge would necessitate bitumenising the road all the way from Winchester to the bridge. The cost would have to be borne by the Geraldine ratepayers, and how could they do that when now they could scarcely pay ordinary rates? At present they had to maintain the Tipper bridge, and he could not see how they were going to maintain another. It was not right to burden unborn children with debts. What was wanted was general economy, not only in the Government but also among private individuals, and it seemed as though the people of the district were asking for something for which thew could not pay. Reiterating his statement that the executive was not sufficiently conversant with the matter to vote on it, Mr Campbell moved an amendment that the question be held over. The amendment was seconded by Mr Trotter. . On the suggestion of Air A. Ward, Air Buchan withdrew his motion until further information could be obtained.